Everything you actually need to play — and nothing you don't. Written for first-timers and players buying their first setup.
Not the marker. Your mask is the only piece of gear that protects your eyes, and the difference between a $25 rental mask and a $70+ thermal-lens mask is the difference between playing half-blind through fog and actually seeing the field. If you buy one thing before anything else, buy a quality thermal mask.
Dual-pane thermal lens, full ear coverage, comfortable foam. $60–110
Browse masks at ANSGear →Beginners should prioritize reliability over rate of fire. Mechanical markers have fewer things to break, run on CO2 or compressed air, and survive being dropped in the mud. The classic starter lines have been proven on rental walls for decades.
Simple, tough, field-legal everywhere. $90–180
Browse markers at Lone Wolf →For players committing to speedball or regular play. $250–450
Browse electros at Punishers →Long sleeves, long pants, closed shoes with grip, and gloves. A hoodie and sweatpants genuinely work for your first games — padding is nice, but coverage is what prevents welts. Skip shorts, skip sandals, and leave the brand-new white shoes at home.
Just trying it: rent everything at the field — typically $30–60 for the day with paint.
First setup: mask + mechanical marker + tank + hopper lands around $150–300.
Hooked: electronic marker, compressed-air tank, and a real jersey — $400–800 and climbing forever after that. Welcome to the club.
Does paintball hurt? A hit feels like a firm rubber-band snap. Covered skin barely notices; bare skin might bruise. Fields limit velocity (usually 280–300 fps) so it stays that way.
How old do you have to be? Most fields run public games at 10+, and many host private low-impact parties for younger kids — check your local field's rules in our field directory.
Where should I play first? Find a field near you in our nationwide field finder — 296 fields across all 50 states.